we've got the Swans as favourites. Provided they bring in another quality forward.

The Swans leave the MCG after a disappointing final against Geelong. Picture: AFL Photos

If

we've been critical of this club all season ...

then

we don't back away now. But, we do also add praise for hanging in there, having the courage to finish top eight, and then providing the competition with the only final of aesthetic note in the first three weeks.

If

Luke Beveridge chose to publicly confirm he had problems with Stringer ...

then

he also at that very moment shredded layers of Bulldogs currency in a Stringer trade. It is Stringer's choice where he now plays next, not yours

Luke Beveridge leads the Dogs off the field in round 23. Picture: AFL Photos